Aircraft almost collides with drone near Happy Valley-Goose Bay

A drone nearly collided with an aircraft near Happy Valley-Goose Bay on September 5.

HAPPY VALLEY-GOOSE BAY - Just before noon on September 5 an aircraft approaching the Happy Valley-Goose Bay airport had a near-miss with an unmanned air vehicle, more commonly known as a drone.

RCMP said the incident happened in the area of Wilburn Bay and are asking anyone with any information to contact the Happy Valley-Goose Bay RCMP at 709-896-3383.

Transport Canada brought in regulations for drones early in 2017, to mixed reviews from the public. One of those rules is that you can no longer fly within nine kilometres of an aerodrome — anywhere an aircraft takes off or lands.

The regulations also preclude recreational pilots from flying drones weighing more than 250 grams higher than 300 feet; within 250 feet of buildings, vehicles, vessels, animals or people; more than half a kilometre from the user; at night, in cloudy conditions, or outside the visual line of sight; without a name, address and phone number affixed to the drone; and over forest fires, emergency response scenes or controlled airspace.

Breaking the rules can have a fine up to $3,000 for recreational users and up to $15,000 for corporations.